Let's set the scene...

Adam and I met the "new normal" way, a dating app. After matching, not once but twice, we decided it was time to officially meet. For our first date, Adam picked our favorite taco joint, then Up/Down for pinball afterwards. The night started out unusual when he showed up 45 minutes late. But after a few drinks and jabs from me about his lateness, it was all smooth sailing. He even stole his first kiss near one of the pinball machines.

It didn't take long for us to realize that we were onto something here. My dog Louie fell in love with him and it wasn't long after that I followed. After many more dates, Adam decided to pop the question.  It was around Christmas, my FAVORITE time of year, and I was in my pajamas cooking in the kitchen.  I turned around and Adam was holding the ring box upside down.  Of course the answer was yes. It was perfect and the best part was my entire family was flying into town the next day, so we were able to celebrate with all of our loved ones! 

Colorado As A Dream Destination

We decided pretty early on that we wanted a smaller destination wedding and that we wanted to get married on June 1st.  It's not only my grandpa's birthday but it was also my grandparents wedding anniversary.  We knew it would always be a special day for so many other reasons too. 

The Rocky Mountains Colorado is YOUR DESTINATION

One of our hardest decisions was actually picking a destination.  Ultimately we picked a place where we had our first vacation together and that's dear to our hearts, the Rocky Mountains.  We fall more in love with Colorado every time we visit, so it had to be there. 

Our Colorado Elopement Photographer

Next, we decided on Justyna and boy, was that a good decision.  She walked us through the whole process and made it very stress-free.  She really thinks of everything.  We planned for a sunrise hike, where we would say our vows privately, then afterwards meet our guests for a ceremony and brunch at the Stanley - which was the icing on the cake because we both love the movie The Shining.  

Whimsical Wilderness

Finally, the time came and we loaded up his truck and headed out to Estes Park.  He's a saint and drove the whole way (13 hours).  We were lucky enough to have 22 of our closest friends and family members to join us out west.  Leading up to our wedding day, we explored Rocky Mountain National Park with the people we love the most and I checked the weather constantly.  It was calling for a snow storm the evening before June 1st.  Every time I checked the weather app, I became more stressed, until I finally said to myself there's nothing you can do so you may as well stop worrying.  

As the Sun Rises

As we woke up in the wee hours of the morning, I looked out the window to the most picturesque winter wonderland I had ever seen.  At 5 am we began the prettiest, most majestic hike we've ever been on.  Since we were the first people on the trail, the new snow was untouched and fresh.  It reminded us of our own fresh new beginnings. All the worrying I did was for nothing because it really turned out perfect. 

To the Most Picturesque Winter Wonderland I Had Ever Seen. 

What I thought was going to ruin our wedding, ended up being our favorite part of the day.  We got a magical winter wonderland in June.  Our family later joined us and helped us celebrate not only our love, but my Grandpa's 85th birthday too.  It really turned out to be such an amazing vacation for everyone.  

Feeling inspired? Check out some of our other faves, like this Skip the Fuss of Planning a Wedding and Elope with Justyna!

photography: Justyna E Butler Photography  // venue name: Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado // planning: Justyna E Butler  // florals: Plume & Furrow  // videography:  // Justyna E Butler Photography Films